Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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COMFORT AND SAFETY LINEN SYSTEM
[00011 This paragraph left intentionally blank.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
100021 The invention relates generally to bed linens and more specifically
to a linen
system constructed from a single piece of material for safety and comfort of
the user.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0003] Every year more than 1500 suicides take place at inpatient hospital
units
throughout the United States, and of that number, more than 70% of self-harm
attempts are
as a result of asphyxiation by hanging. Over 50% of the time the five primary
items utilized
for such attempts are mattress covers, sheets, pillow cases, pillows and
blankets. The
reasons are obvious: they are easily accessible and they are easy to
manipulate. Typical bed
sheets and bedding can be torn or wrapped tightly, increasing the likelihood
that a suicide
attempt will be lethal. The Federal National Center for Patient Safety reports
that ligatures
made from sheets or bedding were used in over 50% of all hanging suicides at
inpatient
psychiatric units.
0004] Practical application of a linen system must not only be safe for the
particular
concern addressed herein but must be practical and functional for the
individuals involved.
With regard to a patient who suffers from self-harming or suicidal behavior
and thoughts,
the primary concern is to avoid opportunity for which a self-harm device may
be formed
from a bed sheet, blanket and/or bed linen. The comfort and care of the
patient is another
concern where use of a safety linen system must require minimum effort in
linen changes
for patients who have difficulty with movement and/or are impaired. With
regard to the
caregiver and institution who manage the patient and the facility environment,
the safety
linen system should minimize expenses and effort by a caregiver for linen
changes while
maximizing benefit and ease of use to the caregiver and patient.
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[0005] Previous attempts to address the problem have resulted in bed linen
systems
having at least one blanket portion and at least one mattress cover that may
be difficult to
remove from the mattress and/or are made of sufficiently thick materials that
reduce the
ability to form a self-harm device. In these previous attempts at addressing
the problem,
care has been taken when attaching the blanket portion to the mattress cover
in an attempt to
prevent a patient who suffers from self-harming or suicidal behavior and/or
thoughts from
disassembling the system. For example, multiple runs of stitching, hard
plastic rivets,
welds, adhesives, etc., have all been suggested as being used to securely
attach the blanket
to the mattress cover to form a union. However, the disadvantages associated
with all of
these known linen systems is that there exists a union or attachment point
between the two
separate units forming the blanket and mattress cover. As such, a determined
patient who
suffers from self-harming or suicidal behavior and/or thoughts is likely to
focus his or her
attention at the union in order to separate the units to form a self-harm
device. Additionally,
because a union or attachment point exists in each of these known bed linen
systems,
continued application of force (i.e., through regular use, washing, and/or
attempted
separation) will eventually cause the union to fail since the stitching
perforates the material
and creates a weak point.
[0006] Further attempts have been made to locate the union or attachment
point at
various locations, such as at the top or bottom edges of the mattress cover or
beneath the
mattress, to minimize the ability to separate the blanket from the mattress
cover by a
determined patient. However, application of enough force to the blanket (e.g.,
by pulling)
will eventually cause the union to fail and/or may cause the mattress to bend
or bow upward
allowing the linen to release from the mattress. Likewise, attempts to prevent
previous
linen systems from being pulled away from the mattress have included providing
portions of
the bedsheet cover to be folded under the mattress. While such pockets
enveloping
substantial portions of the mattress may inhibit removal by the patient, the
amount of effort
required by a caregiver to replace the linens for cleanliness is unreasonably
large. Further,
continuous removal/replacement of such linens by caregivers causes excess
stress and
premature failure at stitched or bonded unions of various materials.
[0007] Therefore, there is a need to provide a true one-piece bed linen
solution that is an
attractive and safe alternative to the standard bed linens and sheets used in
hospitals and
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institutions, and eliminates the need for an attachment point or union between
the blanket
and mattress cover, where the linen is not easily removed from a mattress by a
patient, yet
allows for easy removal by a caregiver for washing/changing. The present
invention
accomplishes these objectives.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The invention provides a bed linen system. The bed linen system
includes a one-
piece panel haying a top side, a bottom side, and an axis. The one-piece panel
includes a
bed sheet portion configured to fit on a mattress, a pair of opposing slits,
each of the slits
extending from a side edge of the panel toward the axis, wherein the slits
form a location
where the panel is folded over itself when placed on the mattress, a plurality
of gussets,
each gusset being formed by folding at a bottom edge of the bed sheet portion
of the panel
and securely attaching a side to an adjacent edge of the bed sheet portion,
wherein each
gusset is configured to allow the bed sheet portion to envelop a comer of the
mattress, and a
blanket portion configured to cover the bed sheet portion and drape over side
edges of the
mattress when the panel is folded over itself Thus, the slits are configured
to separate the
bed sheet portion from the blanket portion and direct tension toward the axis
resulting in
gripping of the mattress when the blanket portion is pulled in a direction
away from the
fold. In various embodiments, the slits are also configured to allow a user to
fold the
blanket portion toward the axis for ventilation during use
[0009] In various embodiments, the gussets may be shaped to resemble a
parabolic curve
comprising a long edge and a short edge, and wherein the long edge is integral
to the side
edge of the panel and the short edge is securely attached to a headboard-side
edge or a
footboard-side edge of the bed sheet portion of the panel. In various
embodiments, the short
edge of each gusset has a length substantially equivalent to that of each
slit. The bed linen
system may further include a reinforcing strap fixedly attached to a comer of
each gusset
and extending along a side of the bed sheet portion and terminating at a lower
portion of the
blanket portion, wherein the reinforcing strap is configured to enhance the
tension being
directed toward the axis, thereby resulting in increased gripping of the
mattress when the
blanket portion is pulled in a direction away from the fold. In various
embodiments, the bed
linen system may also include a reinforcement fixedly attached to a second
comer of each
gusset, wherein the reinforced comers of each gusset form hinge points
configured to
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facilitate removal of the linen system by a caregiver. In various embodiments,
the
reinforcing strap may also include a pair of extensions configured for
attachment to a top
side of the bed sheet portion. In various embodiments, the bed linen system
may also
include an end cap permanently attached to a footboard-side edge of the bed
sheet portion of
the panel.
[0010] In various embodiments, each of the reinforcing strap and
reinforcement are
made from a material independently selected from the group consisting of
binding tape,
gross grain, woven or non-woven material, nylon, cotton, cotton polyester
blend, or any
combination thereof In various embodiments, the panel is made of a quilted
material, such
as a cotton polyester blend. In various embodiments, the bed sheet portion
also includes
one or more (i.e., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) flexible inserts disposed in each
side and positioned
to take up slack resulting from use of the system on an adjustable bed.
[0011] In certain embodiments, the bed sheet portion also includes an
integrated pillow
securely attached to the bottom side of the panel. The pillow includes a top
layer, a bottom
layer, and an underlayment, wherein the pillow is securely fastened to the
panel by one or
more stitches selected from the group consisting of bar-tack stitches, single
stitches, double
stitches, triple stitches, blind stitches, other stitches, and any combination
thereof.
[0012] In another aspect, the invention provides a bed linen system. The
bed linen
system includes a one-piece panel having a top side, a bottom side and an
axis. The one-
piece panel includes a bed sheet portion configured to fit on a mattress, a
pillow securely
attached to the bottom side of the panel at a location corresponding to a
headboard-side of
the bed sheet portion, a pair of opposing slits, each of the slits extending
from a side edge of
the panel toward the axis, wherein the slits form a location where the panel
is folded over
itself when placed on the mattress, and a blanket portion configured to cover
the bed linen
portion and drape over side edges of the mattress when the panel is folded
over itself In
certain embodiments, the slits are configured to separate the bed sheet
portion from the
blanket portion and direct tension toward the axis resulting in gripping of
the mattress when
the blanket portion is pulled in a direction away from the fold.
[0013] In certain embodiments, the bed linen system also includes a
plurality of gussets,
each gusset being securely attached to a comer of the bed sheet portion of the
panel,
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wherein each gusset is configured to allow the bed sheet portion to envelop a
comer of the
mattress. The gussets may be shaped to resemble a parabolic curve and
comprising a long
edge and a short edge, and wherein the long edge is securely attached to the
side edge of the
panel and the short edge is securely attached to a headboard-side edge or a
footboard-side
edge of the bed sheet portion of the panel. In various embodiments, the short
edge of each
gusset has a length substantially equivalent to that of each slit. The bed
linen system may
further include a reinforcing strap fixedly attached to a comer of each gusset
and extending
along a side of the bed sheet portion and terminating at a lower portion of
the blanket
portion, and wherein the reinforcing strap is configured to enhance the
tension being
directed toward the axis, thereby resulting in increased gripping of the
mattress when the
blanket portion is pulled in a direction away from the fold. In various
embodiments, the
reinforcing strap also includes a pair of extensions configured for attachment
to a top side of
the bed sheet portion. In various embodiments, the bed linen system may also
include a
reinforcement fixedly attached to a second comer of each gusset, wherein the
reinforced
comers of each gusset form hinge points configured to facilitate removal of
the linen system
by a caregiver. In various embodiments, the bed linen system may also include
an end cap
permanently attached to a footboard-side edge of the bed sheet portion of the
panel.
[0014] In various embodiments, the panel is made of a material having a
thickness and
strength to prevent tearing and hinder persons from creating a self-harm
device. In various
embodiments, the panel is made of a quilted material, such as a cotton
polyester blend. In
various embodiments, the bed sheet portion also includes one or more (i.e., 1,
2, 3, 4, 5, or
more) flexible inserts disposed in each side and positioned to take up slack
resulting from
use of the system on an adjustable bed.
[0015] In certain embodiments, the bed sheet portion also includes an
integrated pillow
securely attached to the bottom side of the panel. The pillow includes a top
layer, a bottom
layer, and an underlayment, wherein the pillow is securely fastened to the
panel by one or
more stitches selected from the group consisting of bar-tack stitches, single
stitches, double
stitches, triple stitches, blind stitches, other stitches, and any combination
thereof.
[0016] In another aspect, the invention provides a pillow for use with the
linen system
provided herein. The pillow includes a one-piece panel having a top portion, a
bottom
portion, and a hinge portion, wherein the top portion and bottom portion are
filled with
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batting and subdivided into a plurality of channels by stitching, and wherein
the channels of
the top portion are formed perpendicular to the channels of the bottom portion
such that
when folded at the hinge portion, the hinge portion forms a side of the
pillow. In various
embodiments, each of the top portion and bottom portion contain 2, 3, or 4
channels. In
various embodiments, the pillow includes a pillow case configured to contain
the pillow,
wherein the pillow case is sewn shut to prevent removal of the pillow
therefrom.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Figure 1 is a pictorial diagram showing a top perspective view of an
exemplary
one-piece panel for use in forming the linen system.
[0018] Figures 2A-2D are pictorial diagrams showing integration of the end
cap into the
linen system. Figure 2A shows alignment of the end cap. Figure 2B shows
placement and
attachment of the end cap onto the linen system. Figure 2C shows a bottom view
of the
linen system installed on a mattress with gussets enveloping the corners of
the mattress.
Figure 2D shows hinge points of the gusset allowing for quick removal of the
linen system
from the mattress.
[0019] Figure 3A is a pictorial diagram showing a top perspective view of
the linen
system installed on a mattress. Figure 3B is a pictorial diagram showing a top
perspective
view of the linen system with the panel folded over itself and showing that
the slit allows a
user to ventilate the foot area during use.
[0020] Figures 4A and 4B are pictorial diagrams showing the tension path
created when
the blanket portion of the one-piece panel is pulled by a patient. Figure 4A
shows a
perspective view from the footboard end of the mattress. Figure 4B shows a
perspective
view from the bottom of the mattress.
100211 Figure 5 is a pictorial diagram showing a perspective view of an
exemplary
reinforcing strap.
[0022] Figure 6 is a pictorial diagram showing a side view of the mattress
portion of the
linen system having disposed therein flexible inserts.
[0023] Figures 7A-7E are pictorial diagrams showing an exemplary one-piece
panel for
use in forming the linen system. Figure 7A shows a top perspective view of an
exemplary
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one-piece panel design. Figure 7B shows exemplary gussets for integration into
the linen
system. Figure 7C shows an end cap having integrated gussets. Figure 7D shows
alignment of the end cap with integrate gussets. Figure 7E shows placement and
attachment
of the end cap onto the linen system.
[0024] Figures 8A-8C are pictorial diagrams showing side views of the linen
system
with integrated pillow (Figure 8A), construction of the integrated pillow
(Figure 8B), and
stitching points for attachment to the panel (Figure 8C).
[0025] Figures 9A-9G are pictorial diagrams showing an exemplary one-piece
pillow.
Figure 9A shows a cross-sectional view of the pillow. Figure 9B shows a top
perspective
view showing the layers of the pillow. Figure 9C shows the stitching points
for
constructing the pillow. Figure 9D shows a one-piece pillow having a top
portion, a bottom
portion and a hinge portion. Figure 9E shows the one-piece pillow of Figure 9D
folded at
the hinge portion and containing a middle layer. Figure 9F shows the one-piece
pillow
being inserted into a pillow case. Figure 9G shows a completed pillow with
stitching
around the perimeter thereof
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
100261 The present invention provides a linen system constructed from a
single piece of
material for safety and comfort of the user. By providing a one-piece design,
the system
hinders persons from tearing the panel to create a self-harm device, and
facilitates
housekeeping procedures for institutions housing a plurality of persons.
[0027] Before the present systems, devices and methods are described, it is
to be
understood that this invention is not limited to particular systems, devices,
methods, and
conditions described, as such systems, devices, methods, and conditions may
vary. It is also
to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purposes of
describing particular
embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the
present
invention will be limited only in the appended claims.
[0028] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular
forms "a",
"an", and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise.
Thus, for example, references to "the method" includes one or more methods,
and/or steps
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of the type described herein which will become apparent to those persons
skilled in the art
upon reading this disclosure and so forth.
[0029] The term "comprising," which is used interchangeably with
"including,"
"containing," or "characterized by," is inclusive or open-ended language and
does not
exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. The phrase "consisting
of'
excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim. The
phrase "consisting
essentially of' limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or
steps and those that
do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed
invention. The
present disclosure contemplates embodiments of the invention compositions and
methods
corresponding to the scope of each of these phrases. Thus, a composition or
method
comprising recited elements or steps contemplates particular embodiments in
which the
composition or method consists essentially of or consists of those elements or
steps.
[0030] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used
herein have the
same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to
which this
invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to
those
described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the
preferred
methods and materials are now described.
[0031] Based on in-depth research, it has been found that inpatient
complaints were
consistent in regard to lack of sleep due to bedding. The noise and sweating
that is caused
by a vinyl mattress with thin sheets creates an environment that is disruptive
to the normal
sleep pattern. This lack of sleep makes receptiveness to treatment more
difficult and can
lead to a prolonged need for therapy. The present invention provides a one-
piece bedding
system formed from thick quilted material that is more difficult to use as a
self-harm device.
By bulking up the materials, a less lethal alternative to traditional sheets,
pillow cases and
mattress covers is provided. The use of quilted, thicker materials makes it
less likely that a
patient attempting to hang himself/herself will be able to generate the kind
of pressure
required around the carotid artery for asphyxiation. (It only takes four to
five minutes of
adequate pressure on the carotid artery to produce death by oxygen deprivation
to the brain.)
[0032] As traditional sheets only provide a thin layer between the
patient's body and the
vinyl mattress, the result is a high degree of discomfort. By quilting the
bottom sheet
portion of the bed linen system, the invention provides a sufficient buffer
between the
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patient's body and the mattress that allows for better heat distribution and
helps in providing
a good night's sleep, which in turn aids in the treatment process and overall
well-being of
the patient. The custom fitted bed sheet portion creates a snug fit to the
mattress, thereby
providing bedding that is difficult to remove but, at the same time, is still
easy enough for
staff to make linen changes.
[0033] Referring now to Figures 1-3, the invention provides a bed linen
system 100.
The system includes a one-piece panel 10 having a top side 12, a bottom side
14, and an
axis X. The panel includes a bed sheet portion 16 configured to fit on a
mattress 18, a pair
of opposing slits 20, each of the slits 20 extending from a side edge 21 of
the panel 10
toward the axis X. In various embodiments, the slits 20 form a location where
the panel 10
may be folded over itself when placed on the mattress 18. As such, the panel
10 includes a
blanket portion 22 configured to cover the bed sheet portion 16 and drape over
sides 24 of
the mattress 18 when the panel 10 is folded over itself.
[0034] In various embodiments, the panel 10 is made of a material having a
thickness
that hinders persons from creating a self-harm device. This bed linen system
100 is
configured to eliminate the use of sheets and may therefore be used in place
of sheets.
Preferably, the panel 10 is made of a quilted material, with the quilting
being configured to
strengthen the material. In various embodiments, the material is a washable
durable
material, such as a cotton polyester blend, but other suitable materials with
similar
properties may be used. A quilted cotton material adds to a person's comfort
and the quilted
panel 10 may provide aesthetic and therapeutic value. Threads used for the
quilting may be
heavy polyester threads to make the bed linen system 100 tough and resistant
to tearing. In
various embodiments, the perimeter of the panel is provided with a plurality
of stitching for
added safety and comfort. Exemplary forms of stitching include, but are not
limited to, bar-
tack stitches, single stitches, double stitches, triple stitches, blind
stitches, any other suitable
types of stitching, and any combination thereof
100351 Integrated into the bed sheet portion 16 of the panel 10 are a
plurality of gussets
30 located at the edges of the bed sheet portion 16. In various embodiments,
the gussets 30
may be substantially shaped like a right triangle with the hypotenuse 31 being
shaped to
resemble a parabolic curve (Figure 2C). When so formed, the longer leg 32 of
the right
triangle is created by folding the gusset at the edge of the bed sheet portion
16
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corresponding to the left or right side of the mattress, while the shorter leg
34 of the right
triangle of the gusset 30 is securely attached to the edge of the bed sheet
portion 16
corresponding to the headboard-side 36 or the footboard-side 38 of the
mattress 18. By
minimizing the number of attachment points required to create the gussets 30,
significant
cost savings are realized while maintaining resistance to tearing by a
patient. Referring now
to Figure 2C, bed sheet portion 16 may include four integrated gussets 30
corresponding to
each comer of the mattress 18. The size and shape of each gusset 30 are
instrumental in the
formation of hinge points 33, which together form hinge H (Figure 2D) to
facilitate removal
of the linen system 100 for cleaning and replacement by caregivers. As shown
in Figure
2D, the application of upward force at a comer of the bedsheet portion 16
allows the
corresponding comer of the mattress 18 to easily be released from the linen
system 100
without causing undue stress on the linen system 100 that could lead to
failure and/or
tearing by a patient.
[0036] Referring now to Figures 2A and 2B, linen system 100 may further
include an
end cap 8 that is sized and shaped to fill a void created when folding the
bedsheet portion 16
of the panel 10 to fit a mattress 18. It should be understood that end cap 8
may be formed in
any shape or size required to complete bedsheet portion 16. Additionally, as
discussed in
greater detail below, end cap 8 provides the added benefit of reinforcing the
approximate
location where the panel 10 is folded over itself to form the blanket portion
22. As such, in
various embodiments, end cap 8 may be positioned adjacent to slits 20.
[0037] Referring now to Figures 3A, 3B, 4A and 4B, there is shown an
exemplary linen
system 100 installed on a mattress with the blanket portion 22 ready to be
folded over the
bedsheet portion 16. As shown in Figure 3B, slits 20 allow a patient the
freedom to adjust
the positioning of the blanket portion 22 as desired to reduce the buildup of
heat and
sweating on the body and/or at the feet area when in use. Thus, slits 20 are
also configured
to allow a user to fold the blanket portion 22 toward the axis X for
ventilation of the feet or
body during use. As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the slits 20 and gussets 30
work in
conjunction to direct tension T upward and inward toward the axis X when the
blanket
portion 22 is pulled with a force F in a direction away from the fold, such as
when pulled by
a patient who suffers from self-harming or suicidal behavior and/or thoughts.
The tension T
serves to grip the corners of the mattress at the approximate location of the
hypotenuse 31
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of each gusset 30, thereby significantly reducing the ability of a patient
from tearing or
otherwise dismantling the linen system 100 for use in harming himself/herself.
[0038] In various embodiments, the linen system 100 may further include a
plurality of
reinforcing straps 23 fixedly attached to a lower edge of the blanket portion
22 and disposed
across the end cap 8 and bed sheet portion 16 that covers the footboard-side
38 of the
mattress 18. In various embodiments, the reinforcing straps 23 may be
permanently
attached to at least one comer of a gusset 30, thereby strengthening the hinge
points 33.
With reference now to Figure 5, the reinforcing straps 23 may further include
a pair of
extensions 27 configured to be attached to the top surface of bedsheet portion
16 in close
proximity to slits 20. However, it should be understood that the reinforcing
straps 23 may
be of any size or shape configured to strengthen the panel 10. In certain
embodiments, a
first end 37 of reinforcing strap 23 may have a substantially rectangular or
other suitable
configuration for attachment to a lower edge of the bed sheet portion 16
(Figure 4A).
Likewise, the linen system 100 may further include reinforcements 25 disposed
at the
comer opposite that of reinforcing strap 23 of each gusset 30 to further
enhance the strength
of hinge points 33 (Figure 4B).
[0039] Accordingly, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the reinforcing straps
23 and
reinforcements 25 provide additional resistance to tearing when force F is
applied to the
blanket portion 22. Thus, when force F is applied to the blanket portion 22,
the resultant
tension applied to the mattress 18 is one that grips the footboard-side 38
comers of the
mattress 18 and causes the corners to curl in a downward direction and toward
the axis X of
the mattress 18. In various embodiments, reinforcing straps 23 and
reinforcements 25 may
be made from binding tape, gross grain, woven or non-woven material, nylon or
cotton
straps, and/or may be formed from the same material from which the panel 10 is
made.
Exemplary forms of attaching reinforcing straps 23 and reinforcements 25 to
the panel 10
include, but are not limited to, bar-tack stitches, single stitches, double
stitches, triple
stitches, blind stitches, any other suitable types of stitching, and any
combination thereof
[0040] As shown in Figure 6, sides 17 of the mattress portion 16 of the
panel 10 may
include one or more flexible inserts 39 disposed therein. Flexible inserts 39
may thus be
provided to take up slack resulting from use of the linen system 100 on an
electric
hospital/institutional bed having the ability to raise/lower the head portion
and/or leg
portion of the mattress 18. In such situations, pairs of flexible darts 39 may
be disposed on
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opposing sides 17 and positioned at the approximate location of the folding
mechanism of
the bed/mattress. It should be understood that while Figure 6 shows two
flexible inserts 39,
it is contemplated that each of sides 17 may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more
flexible inserts 39,
as necessary. In various embodiments, flexible inserts 39 are formed from an
elastic/stretchable material and are permanently attached (e.g., sewn) into
the sides 17 so as
to prevent intentional tearing thereof In various embodiments, the flexible
inserts 39 may
be formed in any shape, such as a triangle, quarter-moon or half-moon, to
accommodate any
adjustable bed mechanism.
[0041] Referring now to Figures 7A-7E, there is shown an alternative
embodiment of the
linen system 100. In this embodiment, elements identical to those shown in
Figure 1 are
labeled as such, and therefore only the differences will be discussed herein.
In this
embodiment, the plurality of gussets 30 are formed separately from the panel
10 and
permanently attached to the respective edges 21 of the bedsheet portion 16. In
various
embodiments end cap 8 may include a pair of integral gussets 30, as shown in
Figure 7C,
while a pair of gussets 30 are provided separately for the headboard-side 36
of the mattress
(Figure 7B). Thus, once the bed sheet portion 16 has been securely sewn to
conform to the
shape of a mattress 18, the gussets 30 may be securely sewn to form corners
that envelop
the comers of the mattress 18. In certain embodiments, an edge of each gusset
30 that
corresponds to the slits 20 may be angled away from slits 20 to provide added
tension
toward the mattress and reduce the ability to remove the linen system 100
therefrom.
[0042] Accordingly, use of linen system 100 provides stress-free linen
changes by those
charged with maintaining bedding of patients. As a result of the gussets 30
being placed
under each corner of the mattress 18, while allowing bed sheet portion 16 to
drape over the
sides of the mattress 18, a hinge H is formed along the hypotenuse of the
gusset 30 by
which the bedding may be removed with correct application of force, thereby
reducing
tension and/or stress to the seams of the linen system 100 (Figure 2D). In
various
embodiments, the sides 17 of the bed sheet portion 16 do not fold under the
mattress 18, as
is the case with most conventional fitted sheets.
[0043] Any of the above-discussed embodiments of the linen system 100 may be
made
formed from a panel 10 that itself is formed from two separate pieces of
similarly-shaped
material that are securely fastened to each other around the entire perimeter
thereof to form
a single piece of material. In various embodiments, the strength of the linen
system 100
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may be enhanced by inclusion of additional stitching at the bottom edge of the
blanket
portion 22 at the approximate location where the panel 10 folds over itself In
various
embodiments, this corresponding area of panel 10 may be covered with binding
tape and
fastened using one or more of bar-tack stitches, single stitches, double
stitches, triple
stitches, blind stitches, and any combination thereof
[0044] As shown in Figures 8A-8C, the bed linen system 100, may further
include an
integrated pillow 40. This creates a complete one-piece linen solution while
eliminating the
opportunity for a patient to use of a separate pillow to cause harm to
himself/herself Figure
8B shows construction of an exemplary embodiment of the integrated pillow 40.
Thus, in
various embodiments, the pillow 40 may be formed from a top layer 42 and a
bottom layer
44, where the top layer 42 forms the upper half of the pillow 40. The top
layer 42 and
bottom layer 44 may be formed from any batting material that would be
sufficient for such
use. In various embodiments, the pillow 40 may further include an underlayment
46, which
serves to securely fasten the pillow 40 to the bottom surface of the bed sheet
portion 16 of
the panel. In various embodiments, the pillow may include an internal insert
containing
water resistant polyester or form material. The insert may be formed from any
pliable
plastic material (e.g.. Tyvek, DuPont) to create a water barrier. In various
embodiments, the
pillow 40 is stitched around its perimeter, and may further be stitched at
various positions
50 throughout the pillow 40 to prevent bunching of the batting material
disposed therein.
Figure 8C shows exemplary positioning of the stitching, which may include one
or more of
bar tack stitching, single stitching, blind stitching, or any other common
stitching.
[0045] Referring now to the Figures 9A-9G, the invention also provides a
one-piece
pillow 60 of substantially rectangular shape designed to allow to the whole
item to be used
and washed without a pillow case. Figure 9A shows a cross-sectional view of
the pillow's
internals. The top layer 52 may be formed from a cloth fabric, such as cotton,
polyester, or
any other suitable material. The middle layer 54 is a batting material to
create thickness and
fluff The bottom layer 56 is a mesh material configured to keep the batting
material in
place, yet allowing moisture and heat to pass through. As shown in Figure 9B,
each of the
layers of the pillow 60 are substantially aligned with one another and may be
folded in half
along a folding line to create a substantially rectangular shape. As shown in
Figure 9C,
once aligned, the multiple layers forming pillow 60 may be stitched at a
plurality of
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stitching points 50 to prevent gathering or clumping of the batting material.
Exemplary
stitches useful at stitching points 50 include, but are not limited to, bar
tack stitching, single
stitching, blind stitching or any other common stitching suitable to keep the
batting in place.
[0046] As shown in Figure 9D, pillow 60 may be formed as a single unit
having a top
portion 62 and a bottom portion 64, with a hinge portion 66 separating the top
portion 62
and bottom portion 64. As described above, the single unit may be formed from
two layers
of cloth such as cotton, polyester, or any other suitable material, and sewn
together to form
the single unit. Batting material may therefore be provided within each of the
top portion
62 and bottom portion 64, but is absent from the hinge portion 66 to allow the
single unit to
be folded over itself Thus, when top portion 62 is folded over the bottom
portion 64, hinge
portion 66 forms a side of the pillow 60. In various embodiments, an
additional middle
layer 54 may be provided between top portion 62 and bottom portion 64 for
added thickness
and fluff (Figure 9E). In various embodiments, top portion 62 and bottom
portion 64 are
sub-divided into a plurality of channels 65 (Figure 9D), each channel 65 being
separated by
stitching to prevent gathering or clumping of the batting material within each
of the top
portion 62 and bottom portion 64. In various embodiments, each of top portion
62 and
bottom portion 64 may be sub-divided into 2, 3, 4, or 5 channels. In various
embodiments,
the sub-divisions of each of top portion 62 and bottom portion 64 may be
formed in the
same direction or perpendicular to one another to further increase thickness,
fluff, and
resistance to clumping.
[0047] As the entire pillow 60 is washable, the pillow does not need a
pillowcase,
thereby eliminating the possibility of being used to cause self-harm to a
patient. However,
in certain embodiments, the entire pillow is provided in a pillow case 68,
which is sewn shut
to prevent removal thereof (Figure 9F). In various embodiments, a plurality
(i.e., 2, 3, 4, 5,
6 or more) rows of stitching are provided around the perimeter of the pillow
60 for security.
As above, exemplary stitches useful in sealing the pillow case 68 include, but
are not
limited to, bar tack stitching, single stitching, blind stitching or any other
common stitching
suitable to permanently close the pillow case 68.
[0048] Additionally, as the pillow may be quilted and/or otherwise formed
from the
same material as that of panel 10, the pillow is difficult to tear open to use
for suffocation.
Further, the two folded pillow portions with integrated channels 65 and/or
stitching 50
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create a clumping-resistant stuffing that will stand up to numerous uses and
washings while
retaining sufficient fluff such that the pillow 60 has a thickness that is
substantially equal to
the thickness of typical pillows. Thus, pillow 60 may be used in conjunction
with linen
system 100 in hospitals or institutions that require frequent washings of
pillows for
infection control.
[0049] Although the
invention has been described with reference to the above disclosure,
it will be understood that modifications and variations are encompassed within
the spirit and
scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is limited only by the
following claims.
